Support in Alaska

How Alaska Calculates Child Support

Alaska determines child support obligations under Civil Rule 90.3, which uses an income-based formula. The calculation begins with the non-custodial parent’s adjusted annual income. Gross income includes earnings from all sources — wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, dividends, interest, rental income, Permanent Fund Dividends, Social Security benefits, workers’ compensation, and other recurring income.

Deductions are applied for federal and state income taxes, FICA taxes, mandatory retirement contributions, union dues, child support for prior children, and the cost of health insurance for the child. The resulting adjusted income is then multiplied by a percentage based on the number of children: 20% for one child, 27% for two children, and 33% for three children, with additional percentages for more children.

For a broader overview of how support calculations work, see our guide on how child support is calculated. You can also estimate your potential obligation using our child support calculator.

Adjustments for Shared Custody

When the non-custodial parent has the child for more than 30% of overnights in a year (approximately 110 nights), Rule 90.3 provides a shared custody adjustment. Under this formula, each parent’s theoretical support obligation is calculated, and the parent with the higher obligation pays the net difference to the other parent. This adjustment recognizes that both households incur direct child-related expenses during their respective periods of care.

Deviation from Guidelines

The Rule 90.3 amount is presumptively correct, but the court may deviate if the calculated amount is manifestly unjust. Recognized deviation factors include:

• Especially large prior support obligations for other children
• Unusually high or low income of the obligor or obligee
• The prior earning history of a parent who is voluntarily and unreasonably unemployed or underemployed
• The child’s health or educational needs
• The extent to which the custodial parent’s income is affected by the obligation to care for the child
• Tax consequences
• Shared custody arrangements
• Other relevant circumstances

When the court deviates from the guidelines, it must state the Rule 90.3 amount and provide specific findings explaining why that amount is manifestly unjust.

Duration of Child Support

Child support in Alaska generally continues until the child reaches age 18, or until the child turns 19 if still attending high school. Support may also terminate upon the child’s marriage, emancipation, or entry into military service. Alaska does not generally require parents to fund post-secondary education, though the parties may agree to such provisions in their divorce settlement.

Alimony (Spousal Maintenance) in Alaska

Alaska courts may award spousal maintenance under AS 25.24.160. The court considers the financial circumstances of each party and the overall equities of the situation. Alaska recognizes several types of maintenance:

• Temporary maintenance — Supports a spouse during the pendency of the divorce proceedings.
• Rehabilitative maintenance — Provides support for a defined period to allow the recipient to obtain education, training, or employment necessary to become self-supporting.
• Reorientation maintenance — A short-term award to help a spouse adjust to post-divorce financial circumstances.
• Permanent (long-term) maintenance — Awarded in longer marriages or when the recipient spouse is unable to become self-supporting due to age, health, or other factors.
• Transitional maintenance — Bridges the gap between the marital standard of living and the anticipated post-divorce financial reality.

The court weighs the length of the marriage, the age and health of each party, the earning capacity and financial condition of each spouse, the conduct of the parties, the property division, the standard of living during the marriage, and the time and expense needed for the recipient to become self-supporting.

Modification of Support Orders

Either party may petition for modification of child support or spousal maintenance by demonstrating a material change in circumstances. Under Civil Rule 90.3(h), a change that results in a 15% or greater difference between the existing support amount and the amount that would be calculated under current circumstances creates a rebuttable presumption that a material change has occurred. Common grounds include significant changes in income, changes in custody arrangements, changes in the child’s needs, or changes in employment circumstances.

Spousal maintenance modification is governed by the same material change standard. Maintenance typically terminates upon the death of either party or the remarriage of the recipient.

Enforcement

Alaska employs a comprehensive set of enforcement mechanisms through the Child Support Services Division (CSSD):

• Income withholding (wage garnishment)
• Interception of state and federal tax refunds
• Garnishment of Permanent Fund Dividends
• Suspension of driver’s, professional, hunting, and fishing licenses
• Contempt of court, which may result in fines or incarceration
• Liens on real and personal property
• Passport denial for arrearages exceeding $2,500
• Credit bureau reporting

When to Seek Legal Guidance

Alaska’s child support calculation under Rule 90.3 and the spousal maintenance framework require careful financial analysis. Whether you are establishing a new support order, seeking a modification, or dealing with enforcement issues, consider scheduling a free consultation with an experienced family law attorney.

Statutes referenced: AS Sections 25.24.160 through 25.24.170 (child support and spousal maintenance), Alaska Civil Rule 90.3 (child support guidelines).